Chlamydia trachomatis

Test Code: 3333

Method: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-Qualitative

Specimen requirements: SurePath™: 1.0 mL (0.50 mL) minimum.

Collection and transport: SurePath™: Store and ship at ambient temperature up to 28 days. ThinPrep™: Store and ship at ambient temperature up to 3 months/ 90 days.

Causes for rejection: SurePath™: Less than 0.50 mL and/ or more than 28 days.

Specimen stability: SurePath™: Stable for up to 28 days at room temperature.

Reference range: Not Detected.

TAT: 1-5 days.

CPT code: 8749, Chlamydia trachomatis amplified probe technique.

Clinical significance: Chlamydia trachomatis infections are among the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the United States with approximately 4 million new cases occurring annually. The speed and enhanced sensitivity of the Roche amplified DNA probe methodology enables early, accurate detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, resulting in timely administration of therapy. Several publications involving multiple centers have demonstrated a sensitivity of greater than 96.6% in the detection of Chlamydia and a specificity greater that 99%.

References
1. Center for Diaseas control and Prevention: Recommendations for the prevention and management of Chlamydia trachomattis, 1993, MMWR.
2. Vincellet J, Sehirm J, Bogard M, Rosenstraus M; Multicenter evaluation of the fully automated COBAS AMPLICOR PCR test for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in urogenital specimens. J. Clinic Microbiol 1999; 37(1): 74-80.
3. Puolakkainen M, Hiltunene-Back E, Reunala T, Paavonen ; Comparison of performances of two commericially available tests, a PCR assay and a ligase chain reaction test, in detection for urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection: J Clin Microbiolo 1998 June, 36(6): 1489-93.

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